U.S. patent number 9,802,213 [Application Number 14/382,988] was granted by the patent office on 2017-10-31 for spray gun having internal boost passageway.
This patent grant is currently assigned to 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY. The grantee listed for this patent is 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY. Invention is credited to Russell E. Blette, Scott D. Gullicks, Stephen C. P. Joseph, Jameel R. Qiblawi.
United States Patent |
9,802,213 |
Joseph , et al. |
October 31, 2017 |
Spray gun having internal boost passageway
Abstract
A barrel (20) adapted for use with a spray gun (2) is disclosed.
The barrel (20) comprises a boost feed port (44) fluidly connected
to a boost passageway (48), the boost passageway (48) being
integral to the barrel (20). The boost passageway (48) is adapted
to convey a pressurized boost fluid originating in the spray gun
(2) to a boost delivery port (56) to assist in urging a coating
fluid from a compatible coating fluid reservoir (80) for spraying
by the spray gun (2).
Inventors: |
Joseph; Stephen C. P.
(Woodbury, MN), Gullicks; Scott D. (Woodbury, MN),
Blette; Russell E. (Hastings, MN), Qiblawi; Jameel R.
(Mendota Heights, MN) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY |
St. Paul |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES
COMPANY (Saint Paul, MN)
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Family
ID: |
48045676 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/382,988 |
Filed: |
March 5, 2013 |
PCT
Filed: |
March 05, 2013 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/US2013/028985 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
September 04, 2014 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2013/134182 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
September 12, 2013 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20150028131 A1 |
Jan 29, 2015 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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61607386 |
Mar 6, 2012 |
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61643745 |
May 7, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B
7/2408 (20130101); B05B 7/2478 (20130101); B05B
7/066 (20130101); B05B 7/2443 (20130101); B05B
7/0815 (20130101); B05B 7/2432 (20130101); B05B
7/2437 (20130101); B05B 7/2481 (20130101); B05B
7/241 (20130101); B05B 7/2402 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B05B
7/24 (20060101); B05B 7/06 (20060101); B05B
7/08 (20060101) |
References Cited
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Other References
Ihmels, Manfred, Ihmels Article--Sata, Feb. 15, 1989, 2 pages.
cited by applicant .
International Search Report for PCT International Application No.
PCT/US2013/028985, dated Jun. 21, 2013, 5 pgs. cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Reis; Ryan
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Medved; Aleksander
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a national stage filing under 35 U.S.C. 371 of
PCT/US2013/028985, filed Mar. 5, 2013, which claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/607,386, filed Mar. 6, 2012,
and to Provisional Application No. 61/643,745, filed May 7, 2012,
the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their
entireties herein.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A barrel adapted for use with a gravity fed spray gun, the
barrel comprising: a gun interface adapted to connect the barrel to
a gravity fed spray gun platform; a fluid interface adapted to
connect the barrel to a coating fluid reservoir, the fluid
interface comprising a fluid port; a fluid nozzle opening through
which a coating fluid to be sprayed can exit the barrel, the fluid
nozzle opening being fluidly connected to the fluid port by a fluid
passageway formed within the barrel; wherein the fluid passageway
is adapted to convey a coating fluid urged from the compatible
coating fluid reservoir out of the fluid nozzle opening for
spraying by the gravity fed spray gun; a boost feed port fluidly
connected to a boost passageway, the boost passageway being
integral to the barrel; wherein the boost passageway is adapted to
convey a pressurized boost fluid originating in the gravity fed
spray gun to a boost delivery port to assist in urging a coating
fluid from the compatible coating fluid reservoir for spraying by
the gravity fed spray gun.
2. The barrel of claim 1 wherein the fluid interface comprises the
boost delivery port.
3. The barrel of claim 1 wherein the boost delivery port is created
by connection of the fluid interface to the compatible coating
fluid reservoir.
4. The barrel of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the boost
passageway is created by connection of the barrel to the compatible
coating fluid reservoir.
5. The barrel of claim 1 wherein the gun interface comprises a
coating fluid chamber and the boost feed port is fluidly connected
to the coating fluid chamber when the barrel is assembled to the
compatible spray gun platform.
6. The barrel of claim 1 wherein the boost passageway is not
interrupted by a shut-off device.
7. An assembly comprising a barrel and a coating fluid reservoir
adapted for use in combination with a gravity fed spray gun; the
barrel comprising a fluid interface adapted to connect the barrel
to the coating fluid reservoir, the fluid interface comprising a
fluid port; a fluid nozzle opening through which a fluid to be
sprayed can exit the barrel, the fluid nozzle opening being fluidly
connected to the fluid port by a fluid passageway formed within the
barrel; a gun interface adapted to connect the barrel to a gravity
fed spray gun platform; a boost feed port proximate the gun
interface; the coating fluid reservoir being connected to the fluid
interface and comprising a coating fluid chamber fluidly connected
to the fluid port; and a boost fluid chamber fluidly connected to
the boost delivery port; a boost passageway fluidly connecting the
boost feed port to a boost delivery port located proximate the
fluid interface, the boost passageway being formed within the
barrel; wherein the boost passageway is adapted to convey a
pressurized boost fluid originating in the gravity fed spray gun to
the boost fluid chamber to assist in urging a fluid in the coating
fluid chamber into the fluid passageway and out of the fluid nozzle
opening.
8. The assembly of claim 7 wherein the boost passageway is at least
partially created by the assembled combination of the barrel and
the coating fluid reservoir.
9. The assembly of claim 7 wherein the boost delivery port is
integral with the fluid interface, such that the boost passageway
is integrally formed as a feature of the barrel.
10. The assembly of claim 7 wherein the coating fluid reservoir
comprises a separating member to fluidly separate the coating fluid
chamber from the boost fluid chamber.
11. The assembly of claim 7 wherein the boost passageway is not
interrupted by a shut-off device.
12. The assembly of claim 7 wherein a fluid in the coating fluid
reservoir is prevented from entering the boost passageway
regardless of the orientation of the coating fluid reservoir with
respect to the barrel.
13. An assembly comprising a barrel and a gravity fed spray gun,
the barrel comprising a fluid interface adapted to connect the
barrel to a coating fluid reservoir, the fluid interface comprising
a fluid port; a fluid nozzle opening through which a fluid to be
sprayed can exit the barrel, the fluid nozzle opening being fluidly
connected to the fluid port by a fluid passageway formed within the
barrel; a gun interface adapted to connect the barrel to the
gravity fed spray gun; a boost feed port proximate the gun
interface and fluidly connected to a boost passageway formed within
the barrel; the gravity fed spray gun comprising a boost port
housed within a barrel interface, the gravity fed spray gun being
connected to the gun interface at the barrel interface; wherein the
boost passageway is adapted to convey a pressurized boost fluid
originating from the boost port to a boost delivery port proximate
the fluid interface to assist in urging a fluid in a compatible
coating fluid reservoir into the fluid passageway and out of the
fluid nozzle opening.
14. A coating fluid reservoir adapted for connection to a
compatible barrel of a spray gun, the coating fluid reservoir
comprising a coating fluid chamber; and a boost fluid chamber
separated from the coating fluid chamber by a separating member
such that the coating fluid chamber is fluidly isolated from the
boost fluid chamber regardless of the orientation of the coating
fluid reservoir relative to the spray gun; a lid member comprising
a reservoir connector for connection of the coating fluid reservoir
to a compatible barrel; a fluid aperture fluidly connected to the
coating fluid chamber; and a boost aperture fluidly connected to
the boost fluid chamber; wherein introduction of a pressurized
boost fluid to the boost fluid chamber via the boost aperture
causes application of pressure to the coating fluid chamber to urge
a fluid in the coating fluid chamber through the fluid
aperture.
15. The coating fluid reservoir of claim 14 wherein the fluid
aperture comprises a central passage surrounding an aperture axis,
and the boost aperture is positioned adjacent the fluid aperture a
first distance from the aperture axis.
16. The coating fluid reservoir of claim 14 wherein the boost
aperture comprises a at least one aperture surrounding the fluid
aperture.
17. The coating fluid reservoir of claim 14 wherein the fluid
aperture is defined by an axial passage through a coupling
protrusion, the coupling protrusion comprising a protrusion mating
surface configured to seal against a compatible barrel of a spray
gun.
18. The coating fluid reservoir of claim 17 wherein the boost
aperture comprises a plurality of apertures surrounding the
coupling protrusion.
19. The coating fluid reservoir of claim 14 wherein the lid member
further comprises a reservoir connector comprising a retention
member adapted to retain the lid member on a compatible barrel.
20. The coating fluid reservoir of claim 14 wherein the separating
member comprises a compressible pouch surrounding the coating fluid
chamber.
21. The coating fluid reservoir of claim 14 wherein the boost fluid
chamber surrounds the coating fluid chamber.
22. The coating fluid reservoir of claim 14 wherein the boost fluid
chamber is surrounded by an outer housing.
23. The coating fluid reservoir of claim 22 wherein the outer
housing comprises the lid member and a separable cup member.
24. The coating fluid reservoir of claim 23 wherein the lid member
is joined to the separable cup member by a collar.
25. The coating fluid reservoir of claim 22 wherein the lid member
is integral with and forms one end of the outer housing.
26. The coating fluid reservoir of claim 14 comprising a fluid
aperture sealing member adapted to fluidly isolate the fluid
aperture from the boost aperture upon connection of the coating
fluid reservoir to a compatible barrel.
27. The coating fluid reservoir of claim 14 comprising a boost
aperture sealing member adapted to fluidly isolate the boost
aperture from an ambient atmosphere upon connection of the coating
fluid reservoir to a compatible barrel.
28. A gravity fed spray gun comprising a gravity fed spray gun
platform, the gravity fed spray gun platform comprising a barrel,
the barrel comprising a boost passageway, a fluid passageway, and a
fluid interface, the fluid interface comprising a boost delivery
port in fluid communication with the boost passageway and a fluid
port in fluid communication with the fluid passageway; wherein the
barrel is separable from the gravity fed spray gun platform and
wherein the barrel comprises a gun interface and the spray gun
platform comprises a barrel interface, the gun interface being
releasably connected to the barrel interface.
29. The gravity fed spray gun of claim 28 further comprising a
fluid inlet and a trigger valve, wherein the boost delivery port is
in fluid communication with the fluid inlet upon actuation of the
trigger valve.
30. The gravity fed spray gun of claim 28 further comprising a
coating fluid reservoir connected to the fluid interface.
31. The gravity fed spray gun of claim 30 wherein the coating fluid
reservoir comprises a boost aperture in fluid communication with
the boost delivery port, and a fluid aperture in fluid
communication with the fluid port.
32. The gravity fed spray gun of claim 31 wherein the coating fluid
reservoir comprises a boost fluid chamber in fluid communication
with the boost aperture and a coating fluid chamber in fluid
communication with the fluid aperture.
33. The gravity fed spray gun of claim 32 wherein the coating fluid
reservoir comprises a separating member fluidly isolating the boost
fluid chamber from the coating fluid chamber.
Description
BACKGROUND
Spray guns are known for use in the application of liquids such as
paints across many industries. Such spray guns commonly include a
gun body, a reservoir for holding a liquid to be sprayed, and an
air source to assist in atomizing and propelling the liquid onto a
surface to be coated. Often, coating liquids are expensive, and it
is therefore desirable to use as much of the liquid as possible to
minimize waste. Moreover, relatively viscous coating liquids can be
difficult to remove from the reservoir under the influence of
gravity or a siphon.
There is a need for improved systems and methods for removing
coating liquids from a reservoir for application by a spray
gun.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure include,
but are not limited to, the embodiments listed below, which may or
may not be numbered for convenience. Several additional
embodiments, not specifically enumerated in this section, are
disclosed within the accompanying detailed description.
Embodiment 1
A barrel adapted for use with a spray gun, the barrel comprising: a
boost feed port fluidly connected to a boost passageway, the boost
passageway being integral to the barrel; wherein the boost
passageway is adapted to convey a pressurized boost fluid
originating in the spray gun to a boost delivery port to assist in
urging a coating fluid from a compatible coating fluid reservoir
for spraying by the spray gun.
Embodiment 2
The barrel of Embodiment 1 further comprising: a fluid interface
adapted to connect the barrel to a coating fluid reservoir, the
fluid interface comprising a fluid port; a fluid nozzle opening
through which a coating fluid to be sprayed can exit the barrel,
the fluid nozzle opening being fluidly connected to the fluid port
by a fluid passageway formed within the barrel; wherein the fluid
passageway is adapted to convey a coating fluid urged from the
compatible coating fluid reservoir out of the fluid nozzle opening
for spraying by the spray gun.
Embodiment 3
The barrel of any of Embodiments 1-2 further comprising a gun
interface adapted to connect the barrel to a spray gun
platform.
Embodiment 4
The barrel of any of Embodiments 2-3 wherein the fluid interface
comprises the boost delivery port.
Embodiment 5
The barrel of any of Embodiments 2-4 wherein the boost delivery
port is created by connection of the fluid interface to a
compatible coating fluid reservoir.
Embodiment 6
The barrel of any of Embodiments 1 to 5 wherein at least a portion
of the boost passageway is created by connection of the barrel to a
compatible coating fluid reservoir.
Embodiment 7
The barrel of any of Embodiments 3 to 6 wherein the gun interface
comprises an coating fluid chamber and the boost feed port is
fluidly connected to the coating fluid chamber when the barrel is
assembled to a compatible spray gun platform.
Embodiment 8
The barrel of any of Embodiments 1 to 7 wherein the boost
passageway is not interrupted by a shut-off device.
Embodiment 9
An assembly comprising a barrel and a coating fluid reservoir
adapted for use in combination with a spray gun; the barrel
comprising a fluid interface adapted to connect the barrel to the
coating fluid reservoir, the fluid interface comprising a fluid
port; a fluid nozzle opening through which a fluid to be sprayed
can exit the barrel, the fluid nozzle opening being fluidly
connected to the fluid port by a fluid passageway formed within the
barrel; a gun interface adapted to connect the barrel to a spray
gun platform; a boost feed port proximate the gun interface; the
coating fluid reservoir being connected to the fluid interface and
comprising a coating fluid chamber fluidly connected to the fluid
port; and a boost fluid chamber fluidly connected to the boost
delivery port; a boost passageway fluidly connecting the boost feed
port to a boost delivery port located proximate the fluid
interface, the boost passageway being formed within the barrel;
wherein the boost passageway is adapted to convey a pressurized
boost fluid originating in the spray gun to the boost fluid chamber
to assist in urging a fluid in the coating fluid chamber into the
fluid passageway and out of the fluid nozzle opening.
Embodiment 10
The assembly of Embodiment 9 wherein the boost passageway is at
least partially created by the assembled combination of the barrel
and the coating fluid reservoir.
Embodiment 11
The assembly of Embodiment 9 wherein the boost delivery port is
integral with the fluid interface, such that the boost passageway
is integrally formed as a feature of the barrel.
Embodiment 12
The assembly of any of Embodiments 9 to 11 wherein the coating
fluid reservoir comprises a separating member to fluidly separate
the coating fluid chamber from the boost fluid chamber.
Embodiment 13
The assembly of any of Embodiments 9 to 12 wherein the boost
passageway is not interrupted by a shut-off device.
Embodiment 14
The assembly of any of Embodiments 9 to 13 wherein a fluid in the
coating fluid reservoir is prevented from entering the boost
passageway regardless of the orientation of the coating fluid
reservoir with respect to the barrel.
Embodiment 15
An assembly comprising a barrel and a spray gun the barrel
comprising a fluid interface adapted to connect the barrel to a
coating fluid reservoir, the fluid interface comprising a fluid
port; a fluid nozzle opening through which a fluid to be sprayed
can exit the barrel, the fluid nozzle opening being fluidly
connected to the fluid port by a fluid passageway formed within the
barrel; a gun interface adapted to connect the barrel to a spray
gun; a boost feed port proximate the gun interface and fluidly
connected to a boost passageway formed within the barrel; the spray
gun comprising a boost port housed within a barrel interface, the
spray gun being connected to the gun interface at the barrel
interface; wherein the boost passageway is adapted to convey a
pressurized boost fluid originating from the boost port to a boost
delivery port proximate the fluid interface to assist in urging a
fluid in a compatible coating fluid reservoir into the fluid
passageway and out of the fluid nozzle opening.
Embodiment 16
A coating fluid reservoir adapted for connection to a compatible
barrel of a spray gun, the coating fluid reservoir comprising a
coating fluid chamber; and a boost fluid chamber separated from the
coating fluid chamber by a separating member; a lid member
comprising a reservoir connector for connection of the coating
fluid reservoir to a compatible barrel; a fluid aperture fluidly
connected to the coating fluid chamber; and a boost aperture
fluidly connected to the boost fluid chamber; wherein introduction
of a pressurized boost fluid to the boost fluid chamber via the
boost aperture causes application of pressure to the coating fluid
chamber to urge a fluid in the coating fluid chamber through the
fluid aperture.
Embodiment 17
The coating fluid reservoir of Embodiment 16 wherein the fluid
aperture comprises a central passage surrounding an aperture axis,
and the boost aperture is positioned adjacent the fluid aperture a
first distance from the aperture axis.
Embodiment 18
The coating fluid reservoir of any of Embodiments 16 to 17 wherein
the boost aperture comprises a at least one aperture surrounding
the fluid aperture.
Embodiment 19
The coating fluid reservoir of any of Embodiments 16 to 18 wherein
the fluid aperture is defined by an axial passage through a
coupling protrusion, the coupling protrusion comprising a
protrusion mating surface configured to seal against a compatible
barrel of a spray gun.
Embodiment 20
The coating fluid reservoir of Embodiment 19 wherein the boost
aperture comprises a plurality of apertures surrounding the
coupling protrusion.
Embodiment 21
The coating fluid reservoir of any of Embodiments 16-20 wherein the
lid member further comprises a reservoir connector comprising a
retention member adapted to retain the lid member on a compatible
barrel.
Embodiment 22
The coating fluid reservoir of any of Embodiments 16-21 wherein the
separating member comprises a compressible pouch surrounding the
coating fluid chamber.
Embodiment 23
The coating fluid reservoir of any of Embodiments 16-22 wherein the
boost fluid chamber surrounds the coating fluid chamber.
Embodiment 24
The coating fluid reservoir of any of Embodiments 16-22 wherein the
boost fluid chamber is surrounded by an outer housing.
Embodiment 25
The coating fluid reservoir of Embodiment 24 wherein the outer
housing comprises the lid member and a separable cup member.
Embodiment 26
The coating fluid reservoir of Embodiment 25 wherein the lid member
is joined to the separable cup member by a collar.
Embodiment 27
The coating fluid reservoir of Embodiment 24 wherein the lid member
is integral with and forms one end of the outer housing.
Embodiment 28
The coating fluid reservoir of any of Embodiments 16-27 comprising
a fluid aperture sealing member adapted to fluidly isolate the
fluid aperture from the boost aperture upon connection of the
coating fluid reservoir to a compatible barrel.
Embodiment 29
The coating fluid reservoir of any of Embodiments 16-28 comprising
a boost aperture sealing member adapted to fluidly isolate the
boost aperture from an ambient atmosphere upon connection of the
coating fluid reservoir to a compatible barrel.
Embodiment 30
A spray gun comprising a spray gun platform, the spray gun platform
comprising a barrel interface adapted for connection of a separable
barrel, an fluid inlet, and a trigger valve, the barrel interface
comprising a boost port that is in fluid communication with the
fluid inlet upon actuation of the trigger valve.
Embodiment 31
A spray gun comprising a spray gun platform, the spray gun platform
comprising a barrel, the barrel comprising a boost passageway, a
fluid passageway, and a fluid interface, the fluid interface
comprising a boost delivery port in fluid communication with the
boost passageway and a fluid port in fluid communication with the
fluid passageway.
Embodiment 32
The spray gun of Embodiment 31 further comprising an fluid inlet
and a trigger valve, wherein the boost delivery port is in fluid
communication with the fluid inlet upon actuation of the trigger
valve.
Embodiment 33
The spray gun of any of Embodiments 31-32 wherein the barrel is
integral with the spray gun platform.
Embodiment 34
The spray gun of any of Embodiments 31-32 wherein the barrel is
separable from the spray gun platform and wherein the barrel
comprises a gun interface and the spray gun platform comprises a
barrel interface, the gun interface being releasably connected to
the barrel interface.
Embodiment 35
The spray gun of any of Embodiments 31-34 further comprising a
coating fluid reservoir connected to the fluid interface.
Embodiment 36
The spray gun of Embodiment 35 wherein the coating fluid reservoir
comprises a boost aperture in fluid communication with the boost
delivery port, and a fluid aperture in fluid communication with the
fluid port.
Embodiment 37
The spray gun of Embodiment 36 wherein the coating fluid reservoir
comprises a boost fluid chamber in fluid communication with the
boost aperture and a coating fluid chamber in fluid communication
with the fluid aperture.
Embodiment 38
The spray gun of Embodiment 37 wherein the coating fluid reservoir
comprises a separating member fluidly isolating the boost fluid
chamber from the coating fluid chamber.
Embodiment 39
A pouch for assembly into a compatible barrel, the pouch
comprising: a separating member surrounding a coating fluid
chamber; a fluid aperture in fluid communication with the coating
fluid chamber; a coupling protrusion proximate the fluid aperture
and comprising one or more protrusion mating surfaces adapted to
seal against one or more cooperating barrel mating surfaces in the
barrel.
These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the
detailed description below. In no event, however, should the above
summaries be construed as limitations on the claimed subject
matter, which subject matter is defined solely by the attached
claims, as may be amended during prosecution.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Throughout the specification, reference is made to the appended
drawings, where like reference numerals designate like elements,
and wherein:
FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary spray gun
according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 1A depicts an exploded perspective view of an exemplary spray
gun according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 depicts a cross-section view taken at 2-2 of FIG. 1 of an
exemplary spray gun according to the present disclosure;
FIGS. 3 and 3A depict exploded perspective views of exemplary
coating fluid reservoir and barrel assemblies according to the
present disclosure;
FIG. 4 depicts a cross-section view of an exemplary coating fluid
reservoir and barrel assembly as used in the spray gun of FIG.
2;
FIG. 5 depicts a plan view of an exemplary lid member according to
the present disclosure;
FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary barrel and fluid
cap assembly according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 7 depicts a cross-section view taken at 7-7 of FIG. 6 of an
exemplary barrel according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 8 depicts a plan view of an exemplary fluid interface of a
barrel according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 9 depicts a plan view of an exemplary gun interface of a
barrel according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 10 depicts an exploded perspective view of an exemplary
coating fluid reservoir and barrel assembly according to the
present disclosure;
FIG. 11 depicts a perspective cross-section view taken at 11-11 of
FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 depicts an assembled cross-section view of the assembly of
FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 depicts an exploded perspective view of an exemplary
coating fluid reservoir and barrel assembly according to the
present disclosure;
FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary pouch and lid
member assembly according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 15 depicts an exploded perspective view of the assembly of
FIG. 14;
FIGS. 16A-16E depict schematic views of exemplary spray guns
comprising separable barrels according to the present
disclosure;
FIGS. 17A-17B depict schematic views of exemplary spray guns
comprising integral barrels according to the present disclosure;
and
FIG. 18 depicts an exploded perspective view of an exemplary spray
gun according to the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIGS. 1-2, an exemplary spray gun 2 is shown
comprising a spray gun platform 3, a separable barrel 20 connected
to the spray gun platform 3, and a coating fluid reservoir 80
connected to the barrel 20. The barrel 20 comprises a gun interface
40 that connects to a barrel interface 10 on the spray gun platform
3. The barrel 20 further comprises a fluid interface 24 that
connects to a reservoir connector 100 on the coating fluid
reservoir 80. As shown, the fluid interface 24 comprises a barrel
connector 25 to which retention member 98 of the reservoir
connector 100 is releasably connected. As can be seen in FIG. 1,
the barrel 20 may comprise an fluid cap 21. The spray gun platform
3 comprises a shaping fluid adjustment 4 adapted to control a flow
of shaping fluid from the spray gun platform 3 to the fluid cap 21.
The spray gun platform 3 further comprises a trigger actuator 5
adapted to actuate a trigger valve 6 (shown schematically
throughout, for example, FIGS. 16A-17B) to switch a flow of inlet
fluid entering an fluid inlet 7 on the spray gun platform 3.
As better visualized by reference to FIGS. 1A and 2, when inlet
fluid is permitted to flow through the actuated trigger valve 6, a
portion of the inlet fluid is diverted through the shaping fluid
adjustment 4 for use as shaping fluid, and another portion is
diverted through the gun interface 40 to an coating fluid chamber
42 for use as, for example, center fluid surrounding a fluid nozzle
opening 32 on the barrel 20. As is known in the art, the center
fluid is adapted to atomize and propel a coating fluid 60 flowing
through the fluid nozzle opening 32 in a conical pattern, while the
shaping fluid exits from a pfluid of fluid horns 8 to shape the
conical pattern into an elongated pattern, such as an oval or an
ellipse. It should be noted that, due to complexities in the design
of the spray gun platform 3 shown in FIG. 2, not all of the various
flow paths can be fully shown in a single cross section. Further
description of spray gun features suitable for use with embodiments
herein can be found in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0187333 A1 to
Escoto, Jr., et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated
by reference in its entirety (see, e.g., reference number 10
therein, along with associated figures and description).
In addition to the above flow paths, the cross section of FIG. 2
depicts a boost passageway 48 within the barrel 20 adapted to carry
a boost fluid 52 originating in the spray gun platform 3 to a boost
fluid chamber 88 in the coating fluid reservoir 80. As shown, a
boost feed port 44 is formed within the coating fluid chamber 42,
thus diverting fluid from the coating fluid chamber 42 for use as
boost fluid 52. The boost fluid 52 can flow, then, through the
boost feed port 44, into a boost passageway 48 in the barrel 20,
through a boost delivery port 56 proximate the fluid interface 24,
and eventually through a boost aperture 108 (shown more clearly,
for example, in FIGS. 4 and 5) in the coating fluid reservoir 80
and into a boost fluid chamber 88. In some embodiments, the boost
feed port 44 connects directly to a boost port 11 on the spray gun
platform 3 (i.e., rather than pulling fluid from the coating fluid
chamber 42). In such embodiments, a boost port sealing member 13
(see, e.g., FIGS. 16D and 16E) may be optionally provided on either
or both the boost feed port 44 or the boost port 11. Such boost
port sealing member 13 may comprise any suitable sealing material,
such as those disclosed elsewhere herein. Where used, a boost port
11 can provide a separate, dedicated fluid path for a boost fluid
52 originating in the spray gun platform 3. Such boost port 11 can
comprise, for example, a socket or a protrusion, or any other
feature suitable for providing isolated fluid communication of a
boost fluid 52 in cooperation with a compatible boost feed port 44
on a barrel 20.
In some embodiments, the flow rate of a boost fluid 52 entering the
boost fluid chamber 88 can be regulated by a boost variable flow
control 50 (shown schematically in, for example, FIGS. 16B-16E and
17B). A boost variable flow control 50 can assist in adjusting the
degree of "push" provided by the boost fluid 52 for different
applications. For example, it may be advantageous to alter the flow
of boost fluid 52 where differing viscosities of coating fluids are
used. Similarly, where differing rates of application of coating
fluid 60 are used, it may be advantageous to vary the rate of boost
fluid 52 flow. In most situations, the boost fluid 52 flow rate
should be at least enough to maintain steady pressure in the boost
chamber as a coating fluid 60 leaves the coating fluid chamber
84.
The boost variable flow control 50, when included, may comprise any
suitable variable flow control mechanism such a needle valve or
other variable orifice. The boost variable flow control 50 may be
included in any location on the spray gun 2 that is functionally
upstream of the boost fluid chamber 88, but may be advantageously
located on a certain readily accessible portion thereof, depending
on the gun configuration. For example, in some embodiments, a boost
variable flow control 50 is located on the barrel 20 in
communication with the boost passageway 48. In other embodiments,
the boost variable flow control 50 is located in the coating fluid
reservoir 80 to regulate boost fluid 52 entering the boost chamber.
In the above two configurations, due to the potential for single or
limited duration use, it may be advantageous to provide the boost
variable flow control 50 in a form that is relatively inexpensive
and disposable. Still in other embodiments, the boost variable flow
control 50 is located on the spray gun platform 3. If located on
the spray gun platform 3, the boost variable flow control 50 may be
constructed to last for the useful life of the spray gun platform
3. For reference, FIGS. 16A-17B and Tables 1 and 2 below describe
several alternate configurations for a boost variable flow control
50.
Advantageously, the boost variable flow control 50 need not have
the capability to act as a shut-off device for the boost fluid 52
and can be omitted entirely. This is because, as a result of the
coating fluid 60 being confined to a coating fluid chamber 84 that
is fluidly isolated from the boost fluid chamber 88, there is no
risk of a coating fluid 60 running into the boost passageway 48
from the coating fluid reservoir 80.
In the absence of a boost variable flow control 50 valve, the flow
of boost fluid 52 can be regulated or maintained within suitable
operating levels by other means such as a fixed orifice or simply
by choice of appropriate fluid conduit sizes. In some embodiments,
no specific means of regulating boost fluid 52 flow is required, as
simple unregulated diversion of fluid sourced from the spray gun
platform 3 will suffice. This may be particularly true where fluid
entering the fluid inlet 7 is already regulated by means of a
device such as a pressure regulator.
FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary lid member 96 of a coating fluid
reservoir 80 as viewed along an aperture axis 105. In this view, an
exemplary boost aperture 108 and fluid aperture 104 are more
clearly shown. As shown, the fluid aperture 104 comprises a central
passage 106, and the boost aperture 108 comprises a plurality of
boost apertures 108' surrounding the fluid aperture 104 in the
manner of a ring. The central passage 106 surrounds an aperture
axis 105, and the boost aperture 108 is positioned adjacent the
fluid aperture 104 a first distance from the aperture axis 105.
Referring to FIGS. 6-9, the fluid interface 24 of the barrel 20
comprises a fluid port 28 to fluidly connect with the fluid
aperture 104, and a boost delivery port 56 to fluidly with the
boost aperture 108. As shown, the boost delivery port 56 comprises
an annulus that corresponds in shape to the arrangement of boost
apertures 108' in the coating fluid reservoir 80.
Any manner of sealing mechanism may be employed to ensure fluid
isolation between the coating fluid passageway 36 and the boost
passageway 48, and between the boost passageway 48 and an ambient
atmosphere. For example, tightly fitting parts may suffice,
particularly where relatively low fluid pressure are employed. As
schematically shown throughout FIGS. 16A-17B, sealing members may
be employed at various locations in the assembly. In one
embodiment, a fluid aperture sealing member 118 is provided to
fluidly isolate the coating fluid passageway 36 from the boost
passageway 48 (when the barrel 20 is connected to the coating fluid
reservoir 80). In some embodiments, a boost aperture sealing member
119 may be provided to fluidly isolate the boost aperture 108 from
the ambient atmosphere (when the barrel 20 is connected to the
coating fluid reservoir 80). In some embodiments, both a fluid
aperture sealing member 118 and a boost aperture sealing member 119
are provided. The fluid aperture sealing member 118 and/or the
boost aperture sealing member 119, if used, may be provided on
either or both of the barrel 20 or the coating fluid reservoir 80.
Exemplary sealing members include o-rings, gaskets, overmolded
polymers (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers such as SANTOPRENE), and
the like.
Greater detail of an exemplary barrel 20 and coating fluid
reservoir 80 assembly can be seen in FIG. 4. As shown, the boost
feed port 44 opens to the gun interface 40, and the boost
passageway 48 connects the boost feed port 44 to the boost delivery
port 56 proximate the coating fluid reservoir 80 and the fluid
aperture 104. Also visible are an optional shaping coating fluid
chamber and fluid needle passageway 33 connecting to the coating
fluid passageway 36. When the barrel 20 is connected to a spray gun
platform 3 (e.g., as in FIG. 2), the fluid needle 9 is by default
positioned to occlude the fluid nozzle opening 32. In order that
the barrel 20 sealingly connect to the spray gun platform 3 at the
gun interface 40, either or both of the gun interface 40 or the
barrel interface 10 may optionally be provided with a gun interface
sealing member 41, which may comprise any suitable sealing
material, such as those described elsewhere herein. Upon actuation
of the trigger valve 6, the fluid needle 9 can in turn be retracted
to permit coating fluid 60 to escape from the fluid nozzle opening
32.
The coating fluid reservoir 80 comprises an outer housing 116
comprising a separable cup member 120 closed by a lid member 96. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the lid member 96 is secured to the
separable cup member 120 by a collar 124. Where used, the collar
124 may connect to separable cup member 120 by way of threads (as
shown), by twist-lock, or any other releasable connection member.
As shown, the lid member 96 comprises a reservoir connector 100 and
the collar 124 comprises a collar connector 125. The reservoir
connector 100 and the collar connector 125 each interact with the
fluid interface 24 on the barrel 20 to provide secure connection of
the coating fluid reservoir 80 to the barrel 20. Typically, the
fluid aperture 104 is located within the reservoir connector 100 to
permit a coating fluid 60 to flow from the coating fluid reservoir
80 to the barrel 20. The reservoir connector 100 and/or the collar
connector 125, where applicable, may comprise, for example, one or
more retention members 98, which may comprise one or more hook
members, threads, a twist-lock, or any other releasable connection
member configured to releasably connect to a cooperating barrel
connector 25 on the fluid interface 24. In the embodiment shown,
the reservoir connector 100 is disposed on the lid member 96. In
other embodiments, the reservoir connector 100 may be disposed on
the outer housing 116 or elsewhere on the coating fluid reservoir
80.
The outer housing 116 may comprise any material or construction
suitable for containing a pressurized boost fluid 52 and
surrounding a coating fluid chamber 84. For example, the outer
housing 116 may comprise rigid or flexible walls. Where a flexible
wall is chosen, the outer housing 116 may inflate upon introduction
of a pressurized boost fluid 52 into the boost fluid chamber 88.
Such inflation may occur to the extent necessary to provide
pressure against the coating fluid chamber 84, and need only last
until application of coating fluid 60 is complete, after which the
flexible walls can be collapsed. A flexible walled outer housing
116 may advantageously consume less space for storage and shipping
purposes (due to being collapsible), and may additionally require
less material and therefore be lighter and less costly. On the
other hand, a rigid walled outer housing 116 may provide increased
structure for the coating fluid reservoir 80 such that the coating
fluid chamber 84 is well contained and is not prone to flopping or
falling over during installation or use. In some embodiments, a
hybrid construction may be used, wherein a flexible material is
supported at least in part by one or more structural members to
assist in providing increased rigidity to the otherwise flexible
walls. Such a hybrid construction may advantageously combine
benefits of both types of constructions described above. In some
embodiments, a separable cup member 120 comprises a flexible wall,
but the lid member 96 is rigid. In some embodiments, the separable
cup member 120 is rigid, while the lid member 96 is at least partly
flexible (i.e., rigid at the reservoir connector 100 to provide a
secure connection to the barrel 20, but flexible elsewhere). In
some embodiments, both the separable cup member 120 and the lid
member 96 are flexible (again, with the lid member 96 being rigid
at the reservoir connector 100 to provide a secure connection to
the barrel 20, but flexible elsewhere).
Suitable materials for a flexible-walled outer housing 116 include
those described herein for use as a separating member 92. Whether
rigid or flexible materials are employed for the outer housing 116
or its components, a pressure relief member 12 may be
advantageously employed for reasons described herein. The outer
housing 116 and its components (whether rigid or flexible) could be
transparent, translucent, or opaque, and natural or colored,
printed with indicia of source/contents/volume or not--or any
combination thereof.
In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the lid member 96
secures directly to the separable cup member 120 without need of a
collar 124. Such connection may be by way of threads (as shown), by
twist-lock, or any other releasable connection member.
Within the outer housing 116 is a separating member 92 separating a
coating fluid chamber 84 from the boost fluid chamber 88. The
coating fluid chamber 84 is adapted to be filled with a coating
fluid 60. In one embodiment, the coating fluid reservoir 80 (e.g.,
the outer housing 116, the separable cup member 120, the lid member
96, or the collar 124) comprises a pressure relief member 12
adapted to release boost fluid 52 from the coating fluid reservoir
80 if the boost fluid 52 exceeds a predetermined pressure. In order
to ensure proper function of the boost fluid 52 acting upon the
coating fluid chamber 84, this predetermined pressure should be
selected to be higher than expected operating pressures of the
boost fluid 52. Such a pressure relief member 12 is optional.
The separating member 92 may be impermeable to the coating fluid
60, to the boost fluid 52, or to both. In such embodiments, a
coating fluid 60 in the coating fluid chamber 84 is fluidly
isolated from the boost chamber, and therefore the boost aperture
108. Therefore, the coating fluid 60 is unable to enter the boost
passageway 48 where it could be wasted or cause contamination of
the gun. This is the case regardless of the orientation of the
coating fluid reservoir 80 relative to the spray gun 2. For
example, when the filled coating fluid reservoir 80 is oriented
above the spray gun 2, gravity will tend to urge the coating fluid
60 to enter the boost passageway 48, but the separating member 92
will keep the coating fluid 60 contained within the coating fluid
chamber 84. Said differently, in the absence of the separating
member 92, gravity would tend to urge the coating fluid 60 to enter
the boost passageway 48.
The separating member 92 may further comprise a material that
permits the coating fluid chamber 84 to collapse as the boost fluid
52 applies pressure to an outer surface thereof and coating fluid
60 is expelled through the fluid aperture 104 to be sprayed. In one
embodiment, the separating member 92 comprises a thermo/vacuum
formed liner member as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Pub.
No. 2004/0256484 to Joseph et al., the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety (see, e.g.,
reference number 13 therein, along with associated description and
figures). In some embodiments, the separating member 92 comprises a
pouch 93, as further described elsewhere in this specification. In
any event, the separating member 92 may comprise a single layer or
multiple layers of material suitable for achieving the functions
described herein.
As noted above, the separating member 92 may comprise a
construction that expands or contracts in response to the addition
of a pressurized boost fluid into the boost fluid chamber, and
thereby modifies the volume of the coating fluid chamber to urge or
force coating liquid from the coating liquid chamber. Such
expansion and/or contraction may be accomplished in more than one
way. For example, the material of the separating member may
accommodate an increase in boost fluid chamber volume by
stretching, unfolding, un-collapsing, un-crumpling, or by a
combination of mechanisms. For example, the separating member may
comprise a resiliently expandable material (akin to an elastic
rubber balloon) that inflates as the boost fluid chamber volume
increases. In such embodiments, the surface area of the separating
member material can increase by elastic deformation, plastic
deformation, or both, as the boost fluid chamber volume increases.
Such embodiments can be likened to a balloon within an enclosing
container, wherein the inside of the balloon (i.e., the boost fluid
chamber) begins as a small volume, and expands to fill the
remaining space (i.e., the coating liquid chamber) within the
enclosing container such that a fluid within the remaining space is
forced out. In some embodiments, the separating member may be
initially folded, collapsed, crumpled, or combinations thereof
(e.g., in the manner of a vehicle airbag before it has been
deployed), and may respectively unfold, un-collapse, un-crumple, or
combinations thereof as the boost fluid chamber volume increases.
In such embodiments, the surface area of the separating member
material need not (but may, depending on the elasticity of the
materials chosen) increase as the boost fluid chamber volume
increases.
Moreover, the separating member may comprise a compound
construction, wherein at least a portion of the separating member
is relatively rigid and non-deformable with respect to other
portions of the separating member. For example, the separating
member may be constructed to act as a piston within the outer
housing, wherein a more rigid portion forms a face of the piston
that interfaces with the coating liquid, and other portions of the
separating member deform to follow the piston face (e.g., in the
manner of accordion bellows, or by elastic or plastic deformation,
as described above) as the boost fluid chamber increases in volume.
In such embodiments, the more deformable portion(s) of the
separating member may be constructed as described in the previous
paragraph to stretch, inflate, unfold, un-collapse, un-crumple, or
combinations thereof as the boost fluid chamber increases in
volume.
In operation, the coating fluid chamber 84 is filled with a coating
fluid 60, and the coating fluid reservoir 80 is connected to the
barrel 20 of a spray gun 2. As shown, the coating fluid reservoir
80 is connected to the fluid interface 24 of a separable barrel 20.
In the connected state, the coating fluid chamber 84 is fluidly
connected to the fluid nozzle opening 32 of the barrel 20 via the
coating fluid passageway 36, and the boost chamber of the coating
fluid reservoir 80 is fluidly connected to the optional boost port
11 of the spray gun 2 via the boost passageway 48. When a
pressurized boost fluid 52 is supplied to the boost chamber from
the boost port 11, the boost chamber in turn applies pressure to
the coating fluid chamber 84 to assist in "squeezing" the coating
fluid 60 from the coating fluid chamber 84 and eventually to the
fluid nozzle opening 32. Because the boost passageway 48 is routed
within the barrel 20, there is no hose or exterior fluid conduit
for a user to connect or to interfere with the user's operation of
the gun.
In some embodiments, the barrel 20 is separable from the spray gun
platform 3. In some embodiments, the barrel 20 is integral with the
spray gun platform 3.
Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, an embodiment is shown wherein a
coating fluid chamber 84 comprises a separating member 92 and a
coupling protrusion 102 surrounding a fluid aperture 104. As shown,
the fluid aperture 104 is defined by an axial passage 107 through
the coupling protrusion 102. In this example the separating member
92 comprises a pouch 93, but could be any other separating member
92 contemplated herein. The coupling protrusion 102 cooperates with
the barrel 20 such that, when the coating fluid chamber 84 is
assembled to the barrel 20, both the coating fluid passageway 36
and the boost passageway 48 are created by the interaction of the
components. As can be seen in FIG. 12, once these components are
assembled, a boost fluid 52 can be communicated from the boost feed
port 44, through the boost passageway 48, through the boost
delivery port 56, through a boost aperture 108, and finally into
the boost fluid chamber 88. In particular, the coupling protrusion
102 can comprise one or more protrusion mating surfaces 103 adapted
to seal against one or more corresponding barrel mating surfaces 22
in the barrel 20 in order to fluidly isolate a boost passageway 48
from a coating fluid passageway 36.
In the embodiment shown, the protrusion mating surfaces 103 and the
barrel mating surfaces 22 are somewhat complex. However, it is
envisioned that such surfaces could more simply cooperate to result
in, for example, a piston seal or a face seal. For example, the
protrusion mating surface may comprise the outer surface of a
cylinder, while the barrel 20 mating surface may comprise a
cooperating inner wall of a cylindrical socket. A sealing member
may be provided to correspond to either or both of the protrusion
mating surface(s) and the barrel 20 mating surface(s). Exemplary
sealing members include o-rings, gaskets, overmolded polymers
(e.g., thermoplastic elastomers such as SANTOPRENE), and the
like.
The coupling protrusion 102 may formed as an integral feature of a
cap member 94, or may be connected (such as by a press fit) to a
cap member 94. See, for example, FIG. 11, where the coupling
protrusion 102 is a tube that fits over a cap member 94 (number not
labeled in this figure) on the pouch 93. In other embodiments, the
coupling protrusion may assemble to, or be integral with, a lid
member 96.
Turning now to FIGS. 13-15, a further embodiment is shown wherein
the coating fluid chamber 84 comprises a separating member 92 and a
cap member 94. The cap member 94 (shown separately in the exploded
view of FIG. 15) is secured to the separating member 92, either
directly or indirectly, by way of a suitable bonding technique such
as by welding or adhesive. The cap member 94 comprises a fluid
aperture 104 through which a coating fluid 60 can flow from the
coating fluid chamber 84. In this example, the cap member 94 is
adapted to connect to the lid member 96 via a releaseable or
non-releasable mechanical connection, such as a snap fit, an
interference fit, adhesive bond, sonic weld, threaded connection,
twist-lock connection, or the like. Upon connection, a flow path
for boost fluid 52 is preserved between the cap member 94 to the
lid member 96. In this way, a boost fluid 52 can freely flow
between the components while at the same time maintaining a secure
mechanical connection between them.
In some embodiments, the lid member 96 is persistently connected to
the cap member 94 such that the entire assembly (as shown in FIG.
14) may be installed as a unit and optionally discarded after use.
In other embodiments, the cap member 94 may be readily installed
into (and removed from) a discrete lid member 96 such that one or
both components can be interchanged with similar components. For
example, a coating fluid chamber 84 and cap member 94 may be
disconnected from the lid member 96 and discarded, and a new
coating fluid chamber 84 and cap member 94 connected to the same
lid member 96--especially (although not necessarily) if the fluid
aperture 104 is long enough to protrude through most of reservoir
connector 100 of the lid member 96, such that the lid member 96
does not come into contact with coating fluid 60.
In any of the embodiments described herein, a coating fluid chamber
closure 85 may be provided to close the coating fluid chamber 84 to
prevent or slow deterioration of a coating fluid 60 therein. One
example is depicted in dashed lines in FIG. 4. In some embodiments,
the coating fluid chamber closure 85 is made accessible through the
fluid aperture 104 such that it can be defeated or removed to
permit a coating fluid 60 to exit the fluid aperture 104. In some
cases, such a coating fluid chamber closure 85 may be provided
factory-installed to seal in a particular coating fluid 60. For
example, an end user may select a particular pre-mixed coating
fluid 60 for a given application. In such case, a coating fluid
chamber 84 containing that fluid may be provided to the end user
with a coating fluid chamber closure 85 comprising a foil seal to
be pierced by the end user just prior to application. In one
embodiment (see also dashed lines in FIG. 4), the barrel 20
comprises a piercing member 86 to automatically pierce the coating
fluid chamber closure 85 upon installation of the coating fluid
chamber 84 onto the spray gun 2. Such coating fluid chamber
closures 85 and/or piercing members may be incorporated into any of
the embodiments disclosed herein, and are not limited to use in the
embodiments shown in FIG. 4.
In such embodiments, once pierced and prior to application of
coating fluid 60, the end user may add (for example by injection) a
catalyst or other additive into the coating fluid chamber 84. This
step may be performed prior to or after assembly of the coating
fluid reservoir 80 onto the barrel 20. It is also envisioned that
the coating fluid chamber 84 may also comprise more than one
section containing different coating fluids or components of
coating fluids, and that such sections may both be pierced prior to
application. For example, the coating fluid chamber 84 may comprise
a first section comprising a coating fluid 60 and a second section
comprising a catalyst for the coating fluid 60. Upon piercing, the
fluids in the two sections are permitted to combine prior to
application. In some embodiments, the barrel 20 or coating fluid
reservoir 80 (e.g., perhaps integral to the lid member 96 or cap
member 94, comprises a piercing member 86 that pierces both
sections upon installation of the coating fluid reservoir 80 onto
the barrel 20. Although "piercing" is explicitly discussed above as
an example, other forms of defeating or opening the coating fluid
chamber closure 85 are contemplated--for example, rupturing,
removing an adhesive tab, melting, tearing, etc.
In embodiments without a closure member, or where a coating fluid
chamber closure 85 is pierced prior to assembly of the coating
fluid reservoir 80 on to the barrel, the spray gun 2 may need to be
inverted prior to connection (i.e., to prevent coating fluid from
leaking out of the coating fluid reservoir 80).
Turning now to FIGS. 16A-17B, multiple schematic representations of
exemplary spray guns are shown. These figures are intended to show
multiple (but not all) possible combinations and configurations of
features in accordance with the present disclosure.
In FIGS. 16A-16E, multiple schematic representations of exemplary
spray guns having separable barrels are shown. Table 1 below
briefly summarizes the features depicted in these embodiments,
along with embodiments not shown. The list of embodiments in Table
1 is not intended to be exhaustive, but merely represents a
sampling of possible embodiments.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Dedicated Location of boost port 11 Boost
variable boost variable on spray gun flow control flow control FIG.
platform 3 50 50 16A No No N/A 16B No Yes Barrel 20 16C No Yes
Coating fluid reservoir 80 16D Yes Yes Spray gun platform 3 16E Yes
Yes Barrel 20 Not shown Yes Yes Coating fluid reservoir 80 Not
shown Yes No N/A
Turning now to FIGS. 17A-17B, two schematic representations of
exemplary spray guns having integral barrels are shown. Table 2
below briefly summarizes the features depicted in these
embodiments, along with embodiments not shown. The list of
embodiments in Table 2 is not intended to be exhaustive, but merely
represents a sampling of possible embodiments.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Location of Boost variable boost variable
flow control flow control FIG. 50 50 17A No N/A 17B Yes Spray gun
platform 3 Not shown Yes Coating fluid reservoir 80
In some embodiments, such as the one depicted in FIG. 18, a coating
fluid chamber 84 (e.g., in the form of a pouch 93) may be
"top-loaded" into an open top end of an outer housing 116, with the
open end of the outer housing 116 then being closed by a lid member
96. For example, the coating fluid reservoir 80 may comprise an
integrally-formed fluid aperture 104 for connection to a spray gun
platform 3 and an open end opposite the fluid aperture 104. For
example, the outer housing 116 may be provided on one end with an
integral fluid aperture 104 and/or reservoir connector 100, and on
the opposite end an opening through which a coating fluid chamber
84 containing a coating fluid 60 (e.g., in the form of a pouch 93)
could be inserted. In such embodiments, a lid member 96 is provided
to close the open end of the outer housing 116 and seal the boost
fluid chamber 88. In the example shown, the lid member comprises an
optional pressure relief member 12 (reference numeral not shown in
this figure), but such pressure relief member may be omitted or
provided on the outer housing 116.
Various modifications and alterations of the invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. It should be understood that the
invention is not limited to illustrative embodiments set forth
herein.
* * * * *